BYRON LEE: 1935 - 2008

Byron Lee, a dynamic Jamaican bandleader who helped globalize the appeal of ska and captured the heart of soca with his legendary hit "Tiney Winey," died Tuesday in Kingston, Jamaica, after a battle with cancer. He was 73.

Mr. Lee formed the band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires almost a half-century ago. With a repertoire that included ska, reggae and soca music, Mr. Lee and his band served up energy-packed performances that showcased the versatility his fans craved.

"He was an original," said Charlie Babcock, of Boca Raton, Fla., a performer and Caribbean radio host whose father was good friends with Mr. Lee. "When he performed, he turned it up to about 1,000 watts."

Mr. Lee was born in 1935 to a Jamaican mother and a Chinese father. In an interview with the Sun Sentinel in 2006, he said, "From my mother I received the soul, rhythm and love of music, and from my father I received my shrewd business sense."

Mr. Lee launched his career in 1956, playing folk music. After Jamaica gained its independence, he was sent to the poor areas of Kingston by the prime minister to find a style of music the country could call its own.

At the time, musicians were creating ska -- a mixture of Jamaica's mento rhythm, calypso jazz and rhythm and blues.

Mr. Lee helped the music gain greater appeal by putting on shows in more affluent neighborhoods, then globally.

Over the years, Mr. Lee wrote and produced music, controlled the sound boards and played guitar and bass for his band -- resulting in numerous hits.

Mr. Lee is also credited with bringing Carnival to Jamaica, an event held annually with a parade of bands.